I enjoyed listening to this book. While reading I realized things about my self that I did not know prior. I think the author has an interesting view on black culture hair and has a unique ability to make the conversation touch throughout the diaspora. This author addressed black hair culture from acculturation, appropriation, Yoruba beliefs, beliefs in ghana, used language to add additional meaning to hair; she spoke about her experiences being Irish, bi-racial, and being in America in regards to her hair... etc., the list can go on and on.

I felt like I got a more holistic view of how discriminatory and celebratory black hair culture really is. I thought that some of Yoruba beliefs on hair are similar to the teachings I was taught as a child in New Orleans. One of the most interesting parts of this book is when the author discussed the black hair industry; who created it, who runs it, and who benefits from it.

Yes, this book was a slow burn and yes this was the best retelling of Cinderella that I have ever read. I often say if it ain't intersectional, I don't want. Kalynn signed, sealed, and delivered. This story follows a rebel name Sophia who was feeling some type of way about the changes and views in Lillie. She tried to get her close friends to see what was happening to them and that it was not right but it seemed pointless. She was invited to a ball and was told to act according to Cinderella's story. However, Cinderella's story included assimilation, lies, submission to the men in this village. King Manford (a king after Prince Charming) enforced rules that were harsh and cruel. At the ball, something transpired and caused Sophia to be removed from Lilie.

She ran into Constance, a descendant of Gabrielle (Cinderall Step-sister). However, Gabrielle was not wicked and she and Cinderella loved each other very much. Sophia began to have feelings for Constance, similar to her friend Erin who she loved but didn't love her back. After days of travel and planning through a scary woodland area, Constance and Sophia found where the fairy-godmother resided. Turns out the fairy -godmother, Amina had some tricks up her sleeves and very deceptive. After strategizing, and Sophia trying to calm Constance from stabbing everybody, all three of them (Gabrielle, Amina, and Sophia) travel back to Lillie and King Manford mansion. Lots of revelations happen this go around and.... read the book for more.

I will say there is some romance to this book but it's a slowwwww burn.

I most definitely need book two. This art in this book was vibrant and alive. This book a big middle finger to the patriarchy and renaming the purposes of "princesses" and it is queer AF. I call of this a win in my eyes. I loved the cliff hanger at the end. I will be checking out book two if its out.

Pan is my hero and did everything she could to protect her love and the princess. Only to find some fellow system breakers and anarchist to tear down the toxic system of men fighting for women to own them. Yuk. I don't want it. I loved the futuristic part of this book. That was welcome, the tats, the melanin, yes! I loved it.

Listen, listen! This book has taken me forever to finish. I have a hard time finishing books that I get wrapped up into. I think I am becoming more of a fan of fantasy but with African inspired cultures and characters. Karina and Malik did it for. Every word pulled me in. I was intrigued by the magic, the abilities, the world, and the rules of the city. The ancient Egyptian inspired gods were everything. The storytelling in this book was amazing, the betrayal was rough but I sort of saw it coming.

The demise of characters was unexpected. I was rooting for some people that I should have not been rooting for. I can't wait for book two. This is a story about a princess who carried so much grief that she stifled her true potential. This story is also about a young man with panic attacks who has an entire world inside him but instead choose to be a martyr. She is fighting for the people she lost and so is he. Who will win? Will their paths cross again? Only Roseanne knows.

Listen Akissi taught me and AFFIRMED why there will be no children for me. Boubou?? Really? This baby was eating garbage, got worms, being an extreme pain in the but. She never listens and blackmailed her brother and lied all the time. The title of this book summed it up nicely. I am recommending this book to my little ones. I am more than sure they will enjoy it. I found myself frustrated the whole time and this book was a sold piece of birth control for me.

First wow! Whew! I was not ready for this as my last read of the night. The first clue should have been the name of the school, the second clue should have been Mr. Token, the third, the KKK coats as uniforms... the list never ends.

All of this in the name of John Henry. This was all too relatable in this story. I am will need time to adjust.

This book is very short read. This was a short snapshot of navigating your stars. Jesmyn Ward spoke about education in her family. Starting with her grandmother Dorothy, and her other grandparents, then to her parents. She spoke about the hardship they had in order access education and sacrifices they had to make in regards to education. She discussed choices and how different they looked in 1940s versus when she was born. She reflected on the judgements she passed on her family and their choices. Discussing Hurricane Katrina and it’s affects was heartbreaking for me as usual. She spoke of two path that usually happens when you are navigating your stars. She also normalized both paths. You need to pick up this book. Read it to your children.

Listen!! We must protect Juls at all cost! This book was beautiful written. Aiden you have out done yourself. This book was educating readers while telling a story about the power of identity and friendship! I just need time to digest this beautiful masterpiece.

TW: Rape, molestation, child abuse, death of a child, group homes, prison system.

Wow! This book sent me on a roller coaster and scared me at multiple times. This authors knows how to give you twists and turns. I still want to know what happened to the cat. This is a story about a 9 year girl who was proven by the court of law that she killed a baby. Her mother was the one to agree to plea and the 9 year old girl went to “baby jail.” She constantly told people she didn’t do. She was later sent group home with other young girls who were sent there and on parole for the crimes they committed.

The story continues with case notes and evidence being stated along side the voice of the main character Mary. I would recommend listening to this on Audiobook but I must warn that the characters are become supper annoying at point via the audiobook. Which is the point which is why it’s so good.

N. K Jemisin never disappoints. I would have to say that the most interesting part of this book is the relationship between the gods and Yeine. I felt like she understood them on a level that other mortals were not able to. Once you read more into the story, you began to know why that is. The world-building, and who will survive troupe was something that I needed at this time. I often found myself confused by the relationship between Yeine and one of the gods. I didn't know how it was going to play out. I am ready for book too to get more information about that.

Yeine's grandfather was my least favorite character. Not due to N.K Jemisin but because he is just an unlikeable character and blames everyone for his mistakes but himself. He is super manipulative and I didn't like that. If you are looking for gods, rebirths, and fiery passion with hints of sexual tension... This is the book for you.